Food Bank

The Franklin Food Bank is one of 14 food assistance organizations receiving a total of $1 million from RWJBarnabas Health. The Food Bank Network of Somerset County and Elijah’s Promise of New Brunswick are also among the organizations receiving grants. The grants are meant to help combat food insecurity in light of the interruption in federal food assistance benefits, including …

Somerset County and The Food Bank Network of Somerset County are partnering to host an emergency food distribution event to support Somerset County residents that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.  The event will take place at the Somerset County Public Works Complex at 411 Chimney Rock Road, Bridgewater, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 15. This free, drive-through …

The Franklin Food Bank is one of 14 local feeding organizations receiving a total of $1 million in grants from West Orange-based RWJ Barnabas Health. The grants are meant to help organizations serving vulnerable communities across the state, according to a press release. “As both an anchor institution and a partner in our communities, we recognize that food and health …

A number of township restaurants are taking part in Franklin Township Restaurant Week, which runs now through November 8. The purpose of the week, which is observed nationally, is to allow township restaurants to showcase “the rich, diverse, and delicious dining scene right here in Franklin Township,” according to a press release. “Local restaurants will feature exclusive specials, prix-fixe menus, …

SPECIAL RECOGNITION – Franklin Food Bank Executive Director with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar at the Congressional Hunger Center’s annual Hunger Leadership Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Franklin Food Bank.) The Franklin Food Bank was recently recognized nationally with the 2025 Community Champion Hunger Leadership Award at the Congressional Hunger Center’s annual Hunger Leadership Awards Dinner. Food Bank Executive Director Derek Smith accepted the award on behalf …

FOOD BANK FUNDRAISER – Derek Smith, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Bank, center, speaks to two attendees during the seventh annual Empty Bowls fundraiser at the DoubleTree Hotel. It was all smiles among the Franklin Food Bank officials March 9 after the seventh annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for the Franklin Food Bank, held at the DoubleTree Hotel. The event …

TACKLING FOOD INSECURITY – Sami Shaban, head of the Food Insecurity and Safety Coalition, speaks at the January 29 meeting in the Community/Senior Center. Work by the Franklin Township Food Insecurity and Safety Coalition begun in 2024 resumed on January 29, with representatives from various walks of township life meeting at the Community/Senior center to lay out strategies to end …

ALUMNI DONATION – Members of the Ananda College Alumni Association with officials from the Franklin Food Bank and Township Councilman Ram Anbarasan after the alumni made a $500 donation. Alumni of a Sri Lankan boys’ school gathered at the Franklin Food Bank headquarters on November 9 to pitch in to the effort of relieving food insecurity in the township. The …

The Franklin Food Bank raised $90,000 September 30 at its annual “Golf Fore Groceries” fundraiser at Royce Brook Golf Club in Hillsborough. “We are incredibly grateful to all of our generous supporters who joined us at this event,” Derek Smith, Executive Director of the organization, said in a press release. “This year’s golf outing was a resounding success, bringing together …

VOLUNTEERS AT WORK – Volunteers at the Food Bank’s warehouse on Churchill Avenue. (Photo: Franklin Food Bank.) The Franklin Food Bank recently received a $15,000 grant from Bank of America. The grant will help the Franklin Food Bank further its mission of serving neighbors in need, while improving economic mobility in greater Somerset County. Between 2022 and 2023, the Franklin …